Chapter 44: The Lucky Ones
Contains spoilersOverview
Darrow commands allied fleets above Io as Roque’s armada closes. He coordinates with Orion, sets the Howlers in place, and accepts Victra’s protection on his bridge. After tense, affectionate banter across the comms, Darrow broadcasts a unifying, defiant speech to rally his forces and bait the Golds.
Summary
On his bridge above Io, Darrow watches Roque’s vast Gold fleet approach while his own forces hold formation with allied Rim and Rising ships. He checks timing with Virga and calls Orion, who now commands a dreadnought and a hard-won pirate Blue cadre that crews their captured ships. Their brief banter underscores the stakes as Orion vows Blue will be free.
Victra arrives in full armor, refusing her assigned post to guard Darrow at Sevro’s behest and promising a reckoning with Roque. Darrow opens a link to the Howlers, confirming they are crammed into their covert position and ready despite nerves.
Across the net, Sevro, Mustang, Holiday, Sefi, Clown, and Pebble trade barbs that reveal camaraderie and strain. Holiday wrangles undisciplined Obsidians and helps Sefi fix her blaring comms, while Sevro rallies the pack to howl before going dark. Darrow, feeling the weight of their lives, asks them to be brave, protect each other, and come home.
As the Howlers’ channel closes, Darrow steadies his crew. Victra answers his “Once more unto the breach” with resolve, and the young Blues and marines answer with stomping boots, their tension broken.
Darrow orders a fleetwide transmission on an open frequency, ensuring Quicksilver—and the Golds—will hear. He delivers a rousing call to unity beyond Color, urging courage and purpose against the darkness: "Break the chains!" With that, he orders all ships to prepare for battle as Roque’s fleet nears engagement range.
Who Appears
- Darrow
Allied commander above Io; coordinates fleets, checks on Howlers and Orion, and delivers a unifying broadcast before battle.
- Victra au Julii
Arrives in armor to guard Darrow at Sevro’s urging; vows to face Roque and bolsters bridge morale.
- Orion
Blue admiral aboard a dreadnought; leads recruited pirate Blues and key fleet elements; pledges freedom for Blues.
- Sevro
Howlers’ leader in a starShell; sends Victra to protect Darrow, jokes to ease tension, and leads the final howl.
- Virginia ‘Mustang’ au Augustus
Commands allied forces to the south; joins the comms exchange and echoes the rallying cry.
- Holiday
Security officer in the hangar; corrals Obsidians, fixes Sefi’s comm volume, and prepares troops.
- Sefi the Quiet
Obsidian queen with a pulseFist; struggles with comms volume before the Howlers go dark.
- Virga
Bridge officer; manages timing, comm patches, and announces Howler comms blackout.
- Pelus
Waifish ship captain on Darrow’s bridge; formerly served on the Pax; stands ready for orders.
- Clown
Howler in a mech; provides comic relief amid pre-battle jitters.
- Pebble
Howler; chides Clown and steadies the team during the wait.
- Roque au Fabii
Enemy admiral advancing from Europa to Io; target of Darrow’s baiting broadcast.